A man accused of causing the deaths of two children by dangerous driving in Belfast was freed on bail yesterday after being warned by the judge not to drive a car.
Mr Wayne Johnston (42) was also given a daily 12-hour curfew after a magistrate heard there could be concerns for his safety because of public outcry at the tragedy.
Mr Johnston was arrested after his car crashed near a busy junction in west Belfast on Friday night.
Christopher Shaw (11) and Emma Lynch (8) were killed. Christopher's brother Darren (13) remains critically ill.
The children had been out walking with their new puppy when they were struck near the corner of Springfield Road and Falls Road.
Christopher's sister Claire (9) escaped with minor injuries.
Mr Johnston was also charged with causing Darren grievous bodily harm by dangerous driving.
Mr Johnston, unemployed, from Highfield Drive, Belfast, who has a clean driving record, was deeply sorry at what happened, his solicitor, Mr John Murphy, said.
He told Belfast magistrate Mr Mark Hamill: "He wants to express his deep regret."
There were no objections to bail by the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, Ms Nicola Auret, representing the DPP, said: "The defendant has no previous convictions. Obviously these are serious offences ... and in the social climate prevailing, we would have some concern for the defendant's safety."
Sgt Norman Hazlett, who charged Mr Johnston, said the defendant came from a good family background and police would have no objection to bail provided he stayed at another residential address.
Mr Hamill granted bail totalling £600 and ordered Mr Johnston to report to police twice a week, and adhere to an 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew at the address submitted to the court.
Apart from answering "yes" when asked if he understood the charges, Mr Johnston, wearing an open jacket and checked shirt, did not speak.
His father was in court for the seven-minute hearing.
Mr Johnston is due to appear in court again on February 2nd.